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| Mel Evans / Associated Press |
| Eagles running back Brian Westbrook has 5,358 yards from scrimmage the last three seasons. |
As part of NFL Network's 32 teams in 32 days series, airing daily on Total Access, NFL.com takes a look at a key question facing each NFL team. NFL Network analysts Brian Baldinger and Rod Woodson discuss the Philadelphia Eagles. Is running back Brian Westbrook still the key to the Eagles offense?
Read their take and then enter the discussion below.
Baldinger: Eagles best player I don't think there's any question that Brian Westbrook is the key for the
Eagles. He's the toughest guy on the team, and with the loss of veterans Jon Runyan and Brian Dawkins, he's now the official team leader as well. When he speaks up, everyone listens. He has the complete respect of everyone in that locker room.
Westbrook is just so tough. Whatever his situation is, he plays and gives it everything he's got. And, he's the Eagles' best player. I do believe a great majority of this whole team's success is all on the shoulders of Westbrook. I expect a very good year out of Westbrook, too. I think missing training camp could be the best thing for him. His whole game is quickness, and if his ankles or knees aren't right -- as we saw in the middle of the season last year -- he's a pretty ineffective player. But when he has his legs underneath him, he's as good as anyone in this league. The Eagles really don't need Westbrook during the preseason. Andy Reid runs the toughest training camp in the NFL, and Westbrook doesn't need to be hit or tackled. Westbrook just needs to be ready on Sept. 13 against the Panthers. |
Woodson: Find the mismatches The key to me is having balance with Brian Westbrook in the running attack and then for coach
Andy Reid and offensive coordinator
Marty Mornhinweg to find the mismatches with linebackers and defensive backs trying to cover Westbrook out of the backfield.
The Eagles offense is at its best when Westbrook is heavily involved. It can't just be Donovan McNabb dropping back and throwing the ball. Westbrook has to get his touches -- in any capacity. The Eagles need to move Westbrook around and let him slip out of the backfield in passing situations to the middle of the field, putting the defenders at a disadvantage with the field they have to cover. They need to motion him out beyond the ends and receivers so they can determine the coverage. Reid and Mornhinweg are two of the better offensive minds in the NFL, so they know how to find the mismatch. You never know how much Westbrook has left. Running backs do take a beating, but it depends on the type of back. Westbrook doesn't take a lot of big hits and doesn't get a lot of carries. It's not like he's a pounding back, so it's a little different with him because of the system he plays in. I also like rookie LeSean McCoy, who will take some of the burden off Westbrook. |
